Cricket fever is set to grip Pakistan as the national team prepares to host Sri Lanka in a comprehensive bilateral series spanning all three formats.
The Sri Lankan contingent arrived on October 4, with the action-packed tour officially commencing on October 9 with the first of three Twenty20 Internationals. This extensive tour, running until November 21, will see matches played across Rawalpindi and Lahore, promising a month and a half of thrilling cricketing encounters.
Tour Schedule at a Glance
The tour kicks off with a three-match T20I series, followed by an ODI tri-series that also features England, before culminating in two pivotal Test matches, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. All match times are in Pakistan Standard Time (PKT), which is UTC+5.
T20 International Series
| Match | Date (2026) | Venue | Start Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | October 9 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 7:30 PM PKT |
| 2nd T20I | October 11 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 7:30 PM PKT |
| 3rd T20I | October 13 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 7:30 PM PKT |
ODI Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England)
| Match | Date (2026) | Teams | Venue | Start Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | October 18 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 2:00 PM PKT |
| 5th ODI | October 27 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 2:00 PM PKT |
| Final | October 31 | TBD vs TBD | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 2:00 PM PKT |
ICC World Test Championship Series
| Match | Date (2026) | Venue | Start Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | November 9-13 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | To Be Confirmed |
| 2nd Test | November 17-21 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | To Be Confirmed |
Note: Specific match timings for Tests are yet to be officially announced and will be updated closer to the dates.
Squads and Key Players
Sri Lanka has already announced its squads for both the T20I and ODI legs of the tour. Kusal Mendis will lead the Sri Lankan side in both T20Is and ODIs. The T20I squad features players like Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dushmantha Chameera. For the ODIs, the squad includes Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness), Avishka Fernando, and Dunith Wellalage. Pakistan’s squads for the various formats are eagerly anticipated and are expected to be announced shortly.
Head-to-Head Record and Recent Form
The rivalry between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has historically been competitive across all formats. In One Day Internationals, Pakistan holds a significant advantage, having won 96 matches against Sri Lanka’s 60 victories in 156 encounters where a result was achieved. Recent ODI encounters include Pakistan’s 6-wicket win in October 2023 and Sri Lanka’s 2-wicket victory via DLS method in September 2023.
In the T20I format, Pakistan also has the upper hand with 18 wins in 30 matches against Sri Lanka’s 12. While Sri Lanka enjoyed a five-match winning streak against Pakistan starting in October 2019, recent results in 2026 have seen Pakistan secure a 5-run win in the T20 World Cup in February, and a 6-wicket victory in January, though Sri Lanka also claimed a 14-run win in a separate January T20I. The Test series will be crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship.
Where to Watch
Cricket enthusiasts can catch all the live action from the Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan across various platforms globally:
- Pakistan: PTV Sports will broadcast the entire home series. Digital streaming options include Tamasha, ARY Zapp, and Tapmad.
- Sri Lanka: The matches will be available on ThePapare TV via Dialog Television, ThePapare.com website, and the Dialog Play mobile app.
- India: FanCode will broadcast the Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2026, including the T20I, ODI and Test matches.
The tour promises a compelling display of cricket as both teams look to make a strong statement in the international arena across all formats. Fans will be eager to witness the contest unfold over the coming weeks.